Pickling and milling results in the production of environmental pollutants in the form of solids, liquids and gasses, all of which require appropriate treatment prior to disposal or discharge. In some instances stainless and speciality alloy producers are coming under increased regulatory pressure to limit releases of nitrogen bearing wastes such as NO /NO2 gas and nitrate (NO3-) ions into the environment.

Reducing overall water usage and its discharge is quickly becoming a focus of stainless steel and speciality alloy producers, worldwide. A closed loop pickling or milling line while technologically possible remains at present an impossibility given the complexity and economics to achieve it. Nevertheless, reductions of 90% or greater in fresh water usage and 60% of the nitrate (NO3-) associated with the pickling line is economically achievable with existing technology today.